STEM Starter Academy

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is dedicated to investing in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) research, education, and job and workforce development to meet the critical need for employees in these fields. STCC has developed the STEM Starter Academy in response to the Commonwealth’s charge.

Objectives

Increase student awareness of and access to STEM programs of study and career opportunities

Enhance student readiness for and recruiting into STEM pathway programs

Improve student retention based on academic success and overcoming life barriers

Increase awarding of certificates or degrees and entry into pathways to STEM jobs or transfer to four-year STEM academic programs

The STEM Starter Academy provides incoming first year students a jumpstart to their first semester on campus. Participants receive a funded academic experience, launching them into their first year by taking classes, receiving tutoring and coaching, going on field trips, seeing guest speakers, and having hands-on experiences. During the academic year, students will also have access to coaching and tutoring support, and participate in STEM Starter Academy events and activities. Students who are interested in participating must apply. Students of color and female students are strongly encouraged to apply.

“My experience at SSA, I can say, was phenomenal. The guest speakers were motivating. The staff was really helpful. The trips were amazing.”STEM Starter Scholar

"The STEM Starter academy is a golden opportunity for our future students, aimed to guide them towards STEM careers. Apart from free classes, credits, academic guidance, support and stipend, they will enjoy making new friends, fun field trips and free lunch every day! What better way can you spend your summer?" - Reena Randhir, Ph.D., Director of the STEM Starter Academy.

Get a head start on the STCC experience

Take FREE college courses (English, Math), earning college credits before the fall semester

Attend FREE field trips to learn more about STEM careers

Participate in a guest speaker series to learn more from STEM experts

Participate in lectures and hands-on activities with some of our own STEM professors

Receive a $400 stipend at the end of the summer, upon successful completion of the courses

Start building relationships with professors, administrators, staff, and peer mentors, creating a strong support system

Get early access and exposure to campus resources.

Build a small community among Summer Bridge peers, developing friendships

Application Process

Be a Massachusetts high school graduate from the graduating classes 2016, 2017, or 2018.

Be a U.S. citizen and a Massachusetts resident.

Submit a STCC admissions application for the Fall 2018 semester and a STEM Starter Academy application.

Have a GPA of 2.0 or above.

Have parent/guardian permission, if under 18 years of age.

Another excellent opportunity for STCC students is the BIO 117 - RESEARCH METHODS IN BIOLOGY course.

BIO-117 is supported by the Massachusetts STEM Starter Academy grant which has the goal of getting students involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Tuition and supplies are free for qualified students. There are several field trips, guest speakers, activities and symposiums in this course. Students will be supported to present their research in conferences.

Course Description: In this course students will be introduced to quantitative and qualitative methods for conducting meaningful scientific inquiry and research while developing an understanding of the scope and purpose of biological research and building written and oral communication skills. Under supervision of a faculty mentor, students will select a research project, write a literature based research proposal, conduct experiments, and prepare and communicate a research report in either written or poster form. Research methods and experimental design will be emphasized, along with accessing articles from the professional literature and the effective communication of research results. Prerequisite(s): BIO 101 or BIO 102 and Corequisite(s): BIO 117L. 3 credits.

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